Hi Paul
What a great idea - to take something from your region. Crafts from
the aboriginal population is a good idea but having been to Washington
state, I'd say one thing that is unique to your area is your wonderful
wines. Yes, it's taking coals to Newcastle because the Italians make
fabulous wines, but this would be a new experience for them - try to
find American wines in Italy! Take two bottles, one to share with
your friends and one for them to keep and open later.

On a more cheesy note, pick up something at the Seattle airport before
you leave. There are always local products - why not smoked salmon?

When visiting a friend in Beijing, he asked us to bring Clamato juice
and celery salt, so he could make Bloody Caesars for his Chinese
friends to taste, and President's Choice chocolate chip cookes (only
available in Canada).
Lucy